For Immediate Release: July 8, 2014
Press Release by:
Councilmember Don S. Guzman
Chair, Economic Development, Energy, Agriculture, and Recreation Committee
Guzman introduces bill to allow child care homes in the agricultural district
WAILUKU, Hawaii – The Council adopted Resolution 14-75, referring a bill to allow family child care homes in the agricultural district, to the Lanai, Maui and Molokai planning commissions for review, Councilmember Don Guzman announced today.
The Maui County Charter requires each planning commission to review council-initiated land use ordinances and provide recommendations to the council for consideration.
The bill would permit “child care homes as an accessory use in farm dwellings,” said Guzman, who introduced the legislation.
“Currently, residents within agricultural districts are forced to travel long distances from home and work to take their keiki to child care providers,” Guzman said. “This bill will allow providers to operate child care homes within their communities.”
On July 5, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into law Act 210 (2014), giving the counties the authority to amend their zoning codes in the manner proposed by Guzman. The law allows for a child care operation to provide care for up to six children who are unrelated to the caregiver.
Guzman said Maui County residents, including members of the Ag Working Group, were instrumental in getting the bill passed in the state legislature.
“I want to thank community leaders who actively participated in the state legislative process to see this law enacted,” Guzman said.
Guzman said he appreciates the council’s swift action in adopting the resolution within three days after the governor signed the state law.
“Today’s action was a display of government efficiency,” Guzman said. “I’m happy my colleagues supported expediting the resolution.”
Guzman said the Planning Committee will be able to review the commissions’ recommendations at least six weeks sooner now the resolution has been adopted.
Guzman said he encourages residents to testify at the commission meetings and public hearings.
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